Basic Training Requirements
According to Presidential Homeland Security Directive-5, Okaloosa County ARES operations must comply with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). We operate under the Incident Command System (ICS) when activated.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all volunteers, including amateur radio operators, to have completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IS-100.c, IS-200.c, IS-700.b and IS-800.d course material. For non-governmental employees and others without access to classroom instruction, these courses are available as on-line independent-study courses that are free of charge at the links above.
- Level 1: IS-100.c and IS-700.b are required for deployment in Okaloosa County.
- Level 2: IS-200.c and IS-800.c are required for deployment elsewhere in Florida and Nationally.
Obviously, amateur radio is at the core of what we do, but in order to officially participate with Okaloosa County, all members must have a common understanding of the ICS. The baseline courses are defined above. We have added the KYHam course so that everyone has the fundamental knowledge of how amateur radio operates as part of emergency communications. So, as members of ARES please complete 5 on-line courses – start with Level 1. See ARES Standardized Training Plan
Also recommended by ARRL ARES is ARRL EC-001 INTRO to EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
On Line Courses:
- IS-100.c Intro to Incident Command System
- IS-200.c ICS for Single Resource
- IS-700.b Introduction to National Incident Mgt. systems
- IS-800.c National Response Framework
- KYHam Communications Training
- ARRL EC-001 Intro to Emergency Communications
- SKYWARN Spotter Basic Training
Standard Forms
- ICS 205 Incident Radio Communications Plan
- ICS 213 General Message Form
- ICS 213rr Resource Request Message
- ICS 214 Activity Log
- ICS 309 Communications Log
- OC ARES Group Member Medical Form
Other Informational Documents
- ARRL ARES Plan
- North Florida Section Emergency Communication Plan
- FSD-220 Communication Procedures
- Request Procedures Guide
Software
